Commonly called a "blood stream infection." It is the presence of bacteria (bacteremia), infectious organisms, or their toxins in the blood or other tissues of the body. Sepsis may be associated with clinical symptoms of systemic (bodywide) illness, such as fever, chills, malaise (generally feeling "rotten"), low blood pressure, and mental status changes. Sepsis can be a serious situation, a life threatening disease calling for urgent and comprehensive care. Treatment depends on the type of infection, but usually begins with antibiotics or similar medications. It is also known as blood poisoning.